Parents old cameras

[marble]

Hello to all. I am not much of a computer guy. I belong to one other site, CadillacOwners.com, because I like Eldorados but can't afford new ones or have somebody else fix  them when something goes wrong. I'll be 61 in March. Have 36 years in the construction (Ironworker) field.
 I just cleaned off a shelf downstairs and pulled out all the old cameras i have accumulated. I am not into photography but I have always taken family and personal events thru the years with instant cameras.  I have two cameras I think came from my dad. One is a Pax M2 with a lens that says Luminor Anasitgmat 1:35 F=45mm No60417. The camera # is 66432. The other is  an Agfa Optima ll S  with a COLOR-Apotar
1:2.8/45 lens, in a case with a flash attachment and the instruction manual. I put a search in for that camera and this was one of the sites that came up. I punched this site and that is how I got here.
 I also found a Yashica J-7 with an AUTO Yashinon-DX 1:2  f=50mm lens. I have more time these days and maybe I will take some pictures . 
I know this is a broad question, but could someone tell me what I have to work with?

            Thanks
                      Marble
 

[Deleted]

Marble. Welcome. Sounds like you'll fit right in here. As to the cameras. Those models are out of my field of expertise (if I have a field!) . But I'm sure there are folks here how can help.

W.

[julio1fer]

Welcome! Of those cameras, I know the Agfa Optima because my uncle had one when I was a boy. It was one of the first fully automated cameras, from around 1962. The Apotar is a good triplet lens.

As for Eldorados, let me see...hmmm, here you are:

[marble]

I Continued to go thru the stuff and found  a Kodak Brownie with the flash attachment. There was a partially used roll of film in it, so I rolled it up and took it out. I wonder if someplace can try to develope it? I wish I would have taken the last few shots on the roll just to see if they came out. The last number I saw was a 9 when I was rolling it up.(I think)
 Also, there are many slides. There are no negatives . Is it a complicated (pricey) process to turn a slide into a photograph?

                                                        Thanks
                                                                    Marble

[mickeyobe]

Feb 12, 2013 7:15:44 GMT -5 marble said:

I Continued to go thru the stuff and found  a Kodak Brownie with the flash attachment. There was a partially used roll of film in it, so I rolled it up and took it out. I wonder if someplace can try to develope it? I wish I would have taken the last few shots on the roll just to see if they came out. The last number I saw was a 9 when I was rolling it up.(I think)
 Also, there are many slides. There are no negatives . Is it a complicated (pricey) process to turn a slide into a photograph?

                                                        Thanks
                                                                    Marble

Marble,

It is not too difficult.
It is not too pricey.

The key word is "too". It depends upon the individual.
If I can do it anyone can.

Check on the internet for Cibachrome and/or Ilfachrome.

The resulting prints are beautiful.

Mickey

[Stephen]

As far as I am aware, very regrettably, Cibachrome and Ilfachrome are now out of production as of 2012, but it is easy to scan a slide direct to a computer film scanner to obtain prints. Most film scanners have this facility direct or the resultant copy can be adjusted to provide prints.

Most commercial photoshops can do the scanning of the slide, if you do not own a suitable scanner device. They would supply the results as a CD-rom, or paper prints.

If you own a digital reflex or mirrorless reflex camera, then it can be used with a suitable macro lens to take shots of slides, the results may be much better than scans, and the cost is nothing, bar the time used.

Some makes of bellows have duplicating masks built in or as an attachment. But any bellows will do with a bit of effort to support and light the slide. Daylight is best, but LED lamps are very good as a steady predictable light source. Colour balance can be adjusted in Photo shop or the Gimp, etc.

Stephen.

[mickeyobe]

"As far as I am aware, very regrettably, Cibachrome and Ilfachrome are now out of production as of 2012, "

They didn't even consult me. What nerve.

You are right, Stephen.
The computer way is much better, easier and sooo much cheaper.
Not to mention far more versatile.

Mickey